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CA chief says approval has come through and players will join the league as scheduled

Andrew McGlashan25-Oct-2025

Shaheen Shah Afridi and Babar Azam will play against each other in the BBL•AFP/Getty Images

Pakistan players with deals in the BBL have been given approval to join the competition after concerns they would be caught up in the PCB’s refusal to issue No Objection Certificates for overseas tournaments.In late September, the PCB’s chief operating officer Sumair Ahmad Syed sent a notice informing players and agents of the board’s decision to stop players joining T20 leagues. However, on Saturday, Cricket Australia chief executive Todd Greenberg confirmed the Pakistan players would arrive for the BBL as scheduled.”That came through last week,” Greenberg said. “So they’ll all be playing, they’ve all been cleared to play, which we’re really excited about because we’ve got some great Pakistan players in the BBL, so looking forward to seeing them here this summer.”Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Brisbane Heat), Hasan Ali (Adelaide Strikers), Mohammad Rizwan (Melbourne Renegades), Haris Rauf (Melbourne Stars) and Shadab Khan (Sydney Thunder) are those with deals for the tournament that begins on December 14 and runs to January 25.An eagerly anticipated head-to-head are the contests between Babar and Shaheen which will take place on January 5 and 18. The Pakistan players will also come up against R Ashwin when they face Sydney Thunder, while he and Shadab will be in the same squad.Related

R Ashwin to play entire season of BBL with Sydney Thunder

PCB suspends player NOCs for overseas T20 leagues

Thunder’s signing of Ashwin was a significant moment for the BBL with the deal becoming season-long after he was not bought at the ILT20 auction. It has prompted talk of whether more Indian players later in their careers will follow Ashwin’s path of retiring to explore overseas opportunities, with Virat Kohli’s name naturally high on the list even though he has given few clues about his future.”Short, medium term I think it is realistic over time,” Greenberg said of whether more Indian players could join the league. “We’re going to keep the dialogue open. I think that Ravichandran Ashwin coming is a really important moment for the BBL and it will highlight the strength of bringing Indian players into the league. What that manifests over time I think is to be seen. Some of that will depend on whether we take private capital into the BBL which is an open conversation for us at the moment.Cricket Australia is currently exploring the potential of private investment in the BBL with Greenberg and chair Mike Baird hopeful of progress being made by the end of the year although there remains some uncertainty of the best path forward among some states.”We should have aspirations to make sure the very best players, both here in Australia and globally, can play in the BBL,” Greenberg said. “That costs money because players have leverage and opportunity to play all over the world. That’s one of the primary drivers [for] why we would consider bringing private capital into the BBL so that we can compete on the global stage. We’re a small domestic market here, but we’re competing globally and to do that we’ve got to be the best version of ourselves.”A critical extension of that is keeping hold of the best Australian players. A report in newspapers earlier this month said that Pat Cummins and Travis Head had turned down A$10 million offers to sign long-term deals with one of the IPL franchises which has teams around the world.Greenberg did not have significant concerns about the current group of senior Australia players walking away but said that it could develop into a major issue for the next generation.”I think it’s a realistic concern for everybody that players have leverage and choice to ply their trade all over the place,” he said. “But I’d say this, though, every player I talk to, priority A is to play for their country…so that’s a really important marker.”But, and there’s a big but here, the next generation is really what I’m focused on. It’s not this current crop that I’m as concerned about as the next generation of players. We’ve got to make sure we find ways for them to stay in Australian cricket, still generate central contracts, still want to play for their country in the same way generations have and this current generation does.”Greenberg was speaking as CA launched a new cricket format at community level for the summer, with the six-a-side Smash Series designed to be played within 60 minutes. The format is viewed as an introductory level to the sport, with six-a-side games, players batting in pairs and the use of different types of softer balls.

One of Carrington’s most impressive players left media stunned as Manchester United’s U18s thrashed rivals Liverpool 7-0 in the U18 Premier League.

Man Utd's U18s thrash Liverpool

The present-day Man United side may not be firing on all cylinders, but their academy continues to produce some absolute gems. It’s been responsible for Marcus Rashford and, more recently, Kobbie Mainoo in recent years – not to mention Scott McTominay – and could have more young stars on the way.

The Red Devils’ U18s side even got some revenge for their first-team this weekend by thrashing Liverpool U18s 7-0 in ruthless fashion. Goals from Bendito Mantato, Louie Bradbury, Jim Thwaites, Samuel Lusale and a hat-trick from JJ Gabriel saw those at Carrington make a statement on Saturday afternoon.

Of course, the success of the academy has always been a priority for those at Old Trafford and Ruben Amorim recently ensured that he extended their record of having a homegrown gem in every matchday squad since 1937.

After handing Jack Fletcher a place on his bench against Tottenham Hotspur, Amorim told reporters: “It’s really important. I think again we are in the moment [where] if we are going to take some corners and succeed right away, it’s the wrong thing.

“There are some things especially in our club that we need to be bulletproof. It’s the way we behave, the way we feel the club and all these small things. We are not going to stop with the Academy players.”

It may not be too long before 15-year-old Gabriel gets the call to the first-team, either. The young forward left media stunned in an incredible display against Liverpool’s U18s.

JJ Gabriel "better than half" the Man Utd first-team, says reporter

Among those blown away by Gabriel was the Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele, who went as far as claiming that Gabriel “looks better than half their first team” at Man United.

After netting a hat-trick, the teenage sensation has taken his total for the season to seven goals and one assist in nine appearances in the U18 Premier League.

It won’t be long before Gabriel is progressing through the ranks in Man United’s academy and he looks destined to make his mark on the first-team in years to come. If some believe he looks better than some of the current stars now, he may be a world-beater by the time he turns 18.

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The future is still bright at Old Trafford even if Amorim’s first-team are struggling for consistency. Like it has done so often in the past, Man United’s academy could yet provide the spark that the Red Devils need to return to Europe’s top table.

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Newcastle United defender Sven Botman was dubbed “utterly embarrassing” after the role he played in Brentford’s third goal on another afternoon to forget for the Magpies on their travels.

Tierney took centre-stage, the former denying Brentford what looked a clear penalty for a foul by Dan Burn – instead booking Dango Ouattara for a dive – and the latter surprisingly agreeing.

But, lo and behold, a few minutes later when Ouattara went down again under Burn’s challenge, Attwell this time pointed to the spot and showed the hapless Burn a second yellow card.

Igor Thiago rolled in the penalty and added a third in stoppage time to condemn Newcastle to more misery on their travels on the fourth anniversary of Eddie Howe’s appointment as manager.

The big controversy erupted when Ouattara tumbled, Burn protested his innocence and Attwell waved away Brentford claims for a spot-kick and flashed the yellow card instead.

Replays showed Burn had clearly made contact with Ouattara’s foot before he went down but Tierney upheld Attwell’s decision, “minimal contact” was the official explanation.

Then came the reprise; Ouattara brought down again by Burn. This one was maybe less convincing, but Attwell pointed to the spot.

Sven Botman dubbed "utterly embarrassing" in Newcastle defeat

A lot of the blame will be put on Burn for his second yellow card and the penalty that he conceded as a result, but the rest of the Newcastle squad didn’t exactly enjoy excellent outings, either. Nick Woltemade came away with an assist, but largely struggled to make the ball stick for the Magpies going forward and Sven Botman looked a shadow of his best self.

At the centre of criticism, Sky Sports’ commentary team took aim at Botman after Thiago scored his second of the afternoon, saying: “Sven Botman, I don’t think he knows that Thiago is behind him, he thinks Ramsdale is coming, he stops running, it’s going to end a sorry afternoon this for the Geordies.”

The criticism didn’t end there, either. Newcastle reporter Joel Bland dubbed Botman “utterly embarrassing” for Brentford’s third and final goal – a verdict that is hard to dispute.

The Dutchman was all too casual before Thiago took full advantage to leave Newcastle on just three Premier League wins in their opening 10 games. Alan Shearer accused the Newcastle squad of being “lazy” when they lost 3-1 against West Ham United last week. Now, a week later, Botman has been accused of not running.

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Whilst they continue to thrive in the Champions League, Newcastle remain in the bottom-half of England’s top tier following a disastrous start.

Newcastle have "one of the best teen prospects" & he can surpass Woltemade

The Baltimore Orioles were bounced from the 2024 MLB postseason in the wild-card round in a narrow 2-1 defeat against the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday.

There's one moment the team, and Colton Cowser in particular, will surely look back on in agony.

After Seth Lugo loaded the bases and was relieved by Angel Zerpa, Cowser stepped into the batter's box in a crucial spot during the bottom of the fifth inning. With one out and the bases full, Cowser was hit by a pitch right on the hand, but it was ruled a strikeout because he swung at the pitch.

It was undoubtedly one of the most painful strikeouts of the 2024 season, and it couldn't have come at a more dire point in the game.

Had Cowser not swung at the pitch that clipped his hands, he would have been awarded first base and the go-ahead run would've come across the plate. Instead, he was called out on strikes for the third time in three at-bats.

Adley Rutschman was up next and grounded out to shortstop to end the inning, leaving all three runners stranded.

The Orioles did not score again in the game, as their season came to an unfortunate end with just one run scored throughout the entirety of their brief stay in the postseason.

MatériaMais Notícias

Ramón Díaz precisou de apenas dez jogos no comando do Vasco para cair nas graças da torcida cruz-maltina. E não é por menos. O aproveitamento do time quase triplicou desde a chegada do treinador argentino, que emplaca agora uma sequência de três vitórias e quatro jogos sem saber o que é derrota.

Desde que Díaz chegou a São Januário, a equipe carioca já disputou dez partidas, venceu cinco, empatou duas e perdeu apenas três. Nos últimos oito confrontos, somente uma derrota: para o Palmeiras, no Allianz Parque, por 1 a 0.

O aproveitamento de pontos até então é de 56,6%, bem superior aos 21,4% alcançado no período em que Maurício Barbieri e William Batista comandaram o time. O desempenho com Ramón, aliás, é similar ao de Athletico Paranaense e Flamengo, atuais 6º e 7º colocados do Campeonato Brasileiro, e que lutam por vaga direta na Libertadores do ano que vem.

VASCO PÓS-RAMÓN DÍAZ NO BRASILEIRO

10 jogos
5 vitórias
2 empates
3 derrotas
56,6% de aproveitamento
15 gols marcados
11 gols sofridos
+4 gols de saldo

VASCO PRÉ-RAMÓN DÍAZ NO BRASILEIRO

14 jogos
2 vitórias
3 empates
9 derrotas
21,4% de aproveitamento
11 gols marcados
23 gols sofridos
-12 gols de saldo

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Liverpool have been warned that Florian Wirtz could leave in January, as Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is keeping tabs on his former Bayer Leverkusen apprentice. The German arrived at Anfield amid huge fanfare this summer for a staggering £116 million ($153m). The 22-year-old was supposed to be the creative spark to define Arne Slot’s new era. But ten games into his English journey, the German wonderkid is already under the microscope for his ordinary performances, and the pressure is mounting fast.

• From Bundesliga glory to Merseyside misery

  Wirtz is facing the toughest test of his young career, with warnings coming thick and fast that his Premier League adventure could be cut short and a stunning reunion with Alonso at Real Madrid may be on the horizon. When the Spanish manager took over Bayer Leverkusen in 2022, Wirtz was still recovering from a serious cruciate ligament injury. Under the Spaniard’s guidance, he transformed into one of Europe’s most electrifying midfielders who could turn any game on its head. His numbers spoke volumes: 18 goals in his first full season under Alonso, followed by another 16 in the next, driving Leverkusen to a historic Bundesliga title and halting Bayern Munich’s dominance. 

  But since landing in Merseyside, things haven’t clicked. Despite flashes of his magic, including two dazzling assists in Liverpool’s 5-1 Champions League demolition of Eintracht Frankfurt, Wirtz has struggled for rhythm in the unforgiving world of English football. Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Brentford summed up his situation as he was hauled off late in the game after another ordinary performance. 

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Hamann warns Real Madrid may come calling

  Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann has now issued a startling warning suggesting that Wirtz could find himself loaned out to Real Madrid as early as January to rediscover his confidence.

  Speaking in an interview withhe said: "Top players didn't get loaned in the past. A loan was for players who didn't get a game, but the top players didn't get loaned. It probably started with Philippe Coutinho a few years ago, when he went for 140 million or something to Barcelona. And a year later he was loaned out to Bayern Munich.

  "I wouldn't rule anything out in today's world, especially in football. It's been reported that Xabi Alonso has asked Real Madrid to keep an eye on Florian Wirtz’ performances and what he does at Liverpool, I reckon it could be true. Because we know how fondly he talks of him. He was the reason they won the league, they won the cup. He was the heartbeat of the Bayer Leverkusen team with Granit Xhaka, and yeah, they keep an eye on him. He's too good to fail at Liverpool, but it's been about 10 games now. You can never rule anything out."

  Taking cue from examples from his time as a player, Hamann added, "In my time, Juan Sebastian Veron came to Manchester United as potentially the best midfielder at the time. He lasted one season. So you can never rule anything out. It'll depend on what happens in the next few weeks. But as I said, at the moment I wouldn't rule anything out, and if Real Madrid are keeping an eye on him, it could happen."

• Hamann lauds Wirtz's courage for choosing Liverpool over Bayern

  Hamann also reflected on the choices that brought Wirtz to Liverpool, suggesting that a more straightforward route to glory might have been available if he had signed for Bayern Munich.

  "Wirtz could’ve had success at Bayern, but I liked that he didn't choose the easy way; he could have gone to Bayern, won the league, and perhaps played a decent role in the Champions League," he said. "If he had gone to Munich, I think it would have given them a better chance to be successful in the Champions League, even though they are doing well at the moment. He's a tough kid, and as I said, one or two games can make all the difference. I still haven't given up."

  While Hamann’s assessment was laced with caution, another former star, Dimitar Berbatov, offered a very different view. Speaking on Presents, the ex-Manchester United striker, who also made the jump from Leverkusen to England in 2006, urged patience and faith in the young midfielder.

  "I love him. He’s a fantastic player," he said. "He will be unbelievable, trust me. Hopefully, he will be patient. Hopefully, he’ll have good people around him, agent, family, whatever. Hopefully, the coach sees his quality like everybody sees him. I’m sure that everybody sees his quality, and they’ll give him that time that he needs to fit into the team. And I guarantee you, he’s going to be a success."

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  Can Wirtz turn it around?

  For Slot, patience is wearing thin. After a flying start to the campaign, where they picked up seven straight wins that had fans dreaming of another title push, Liverpool’s form has nose-dived. The Liverpool boss knows that restoring confidence in Wirtz could hold the key to turning the season around. After being dumped out of the Carabao Cup, the Reds face a testing Premier League clash against Aston Villa, followed by a blockbuster Champions League showdown with Real Madrid, the very club that could soon come calling for their faltering star.

There is no hiding away from the fact that Glasgow Rangers have had a horrendous start to the 2025/26 campaign, domestically and in Europe, under Russell Martin.

The Light Blues swooped to appoint the former Scotland international, who had been out of work since being sacked by Southampton last season, but he has failed to win the supporters over yet.

It has been the worst start for the club in the Scottish Premiership in 47 years, with four draws and one loss in five games, after the 2-0 loss to Hearts on Saturday.

Lawrence Shankland, who was a reported target for Rangers last year, scored both of the goals for the Jam Tarts, as the Light Blues failed to offer a threat of their own at the other end of the pitch.

The Ibrox giants made 14 additions to their first-team squad during the summer transfer window, which means that there does need to be a degree of patience with some individuals as they get up to speed in a difficult environment, created by the team’s performances.

Rangers have seen it plenty of times in recent years when a player has a slow start to life at Ibrox before exploding into life. Malik Tillman is one notable example of that.

Rangers hit the jackpot with Malik Tillman

The Light Blues swooped to sign the USA international from German giants Bayern Munich on a season-long loan in the summer of 2022 to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

At the time of the announcement, Giovanni van Bronckhorst said: “He is an exciting young talent who will further add to our attacking options and myself and the coaching staff are looking forward to working with him.”

The Dutch head coach made it clear that he was a ‘young talent’ whom the coaching staff would work with, which is why it was not a surprise when he had a fairly slow start to life at Ibrox.

Tillman managed two goals and one assist in his first 12 appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues, as he struggled for consistency early on in his Glasgow career, per Sofascore.

However, the German-born star went on to end the campaign with 12 goals and five assists in 43 outings for the Scottish giants, which shows that he improved his output at the top end of the pitch as the season went on.

xG

6.35

Top 9%

xG on target

6.59

Top 8%

Goals

10

Top 6%

xA

4.60

Top 15%

Assists

4

Top 33%

Chances created

46

Top 9%

Successful dribbles

43

Top 9%

As you can see in the table above, Tillman ended up being one of the most impressive attacking midfielders in the Premiership in the 2022/23 campaign, as he ranked highly as a scorer, a creator, and as a dribbler.

This shows that the Gers hit the jackpot with the USMNT talent because they were willing to be patient with him as a loan player, which is something to keep in mind when judging the current squad.

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Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Whilst you may jump to Thelo Aasgaard as a direct comparison to Tillman, given that he is also an attacking midfielder and has failed to deliver a goal or an assist in his first three outings in the Premiership.

However, Martin is brewing the club’s next version of Tillman at Ibrox in a different underperforming Light Blues attacking signing – Mikey Moore.

Why Mikey Moore is the next Malik Tillman for Rangers

Unlike Aasgaard, Moore is similar to the former Rangers star in the sense that he is also a loan player from a big European club, Tottenham Hotspur instead of Bayern Munich, and is a young and inexperienced player.

Whereas Aasgaard is 23 and played 163 first-team matches for Wigan, as well as 17 for Luton Town, before his permanent move to Ibrox during the summer transfer window.

Moore arrived in Glasgow this summer with just three league starts in first-team football under his belt during his time with Spurs, as this is his first loan move away from the Europa League champions.

This is why it should not be a surprise to anyone that the 18-year-old talent has had a slow start at Rangers, despite his claim that he would like to be one of the best players in the world.

Moore has delivered no goals and one assist in five appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues so far this season, per Transfermarkt, assisting Nedim Bajrami for the opener in the 4-2 win over Alloa Athletic in the League Cup.

All of the teenage talent’s appearances for the Light Blues so far this season have come on the left wing, per Transfermarkt, but his career statistics suggest that he should be used more centrally.

Left wing (18)

4

6

Attacking midfield (8)

6

4

Centre-forward (7)

11

4

Right wing (6)

1

0

Left midfield (3)

0

1

As you can see in the table above, Moore has scored 17 goals and delivered eight assists in 15 outings as an attacking midfielder or striker, compared to five goals and seven assists in 27 games as a winger, on the right and left combined.

These statistics suggest that the English whiz, who was described as “fearless” by teammate James Maddison, would be far more effective for the Gers if Martin utilised him as an attacking midfielder or perhaps as a second striker behind Bojan Miovski or Youssef Chermiti.

Moore has looked a little lost on the left wing in the Premiership, completing 17% of his attempted dribbles this season per Sofascore, and playing him centrally could help to simplify his game and allow him to concentrate on making an impact in the box, rather than trying to beat three or four players with the ball.

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Therefore, there needs to be a degree of patience with Moore whilst he finds his feet at Ibrox and Martin finds out how best to utilise his talent within the team, because his statistics in central positions suggest that he has the potential to explode in the same way that Tillman did.

لم يقدم محمد صلاح نجم ليفربول الإنجليزي مستويات قوية مع الريدز بعد موسمه المذهل العام الماضي، وقد أثار تساؤلات العديد من الجماهير.

وقدم النجم المصري أفضل موسم فردي له مع ليفربول، حيث ساهم في 57 هدفا في جميع المسابقات وحصد لقب الدوري الإنجليزي والحذاء الذهبي وجائزة أفضل صانع ألعاب.

ولم يحالف الحظ محمد صلاح رغم هذه المساهمات التهديفية في التتويج بجائزة الكرة الذهبية، التي ذهبت إلى عثمان ديمبلي نجم باريس سان جيرمان وجاء نجم ليفربول رابعاً.

ومع اقتراب مباراة مانشستر يونايتد، دافع دارين بينت لاعب أستون فيلا السابق عن محمد صلاح وعبر عن استيائه من الانتقادات الموجهة لصاحب الـ33 عاماً على أدائه مع الريدز مقارنة بما قدمه على مر السنوات الماضية.

أقرأ أيضاً.. نجم آرسنال: محمد صلاح من أفضل 3 لاعبين في العالم

وقال بينت في تصريحات لـ “TALKSPORT” :”المقياس الذي يستخدمه الناس هو مقياس ميسي ورونالدو، حقق الثنائي أرقاما خيالية لمدة 15 عاماً”.

وأضاف :”لكننا الآن نتحدث عن واحد من أعظم اللاعبين في تاريخ كرة القدم، صلاح قد يضعه البعض في نفس التصنيف، أنا أقول إنه أحد الأعظم في البريميرليج وهذا ليس جدلاً”.

وأضاف :”ما أقوله ليس محل نقاش لكن عندما تنظر لأرقامه، سجل 44 هدفا عندما انضم إلى ليفربول، لذا سأتحدث عن أرقامه منذ انضمامه وحتى الآن، في جميع المسابقات ما بين 44 و27 و23 و31 و31 و30 و25 و34 العام الماضي”.

وأكمل :” في مرحلة ما قد تتوقع رحيله وهو في الثالثة والثلاثين من عمره، كان سيتباطأ، مازالت أتوقع أن ينهي الموسم الحالي بأكثر من 30 هدفا في جميع المسابقات لأنه قادر على ذلك”.

وبشأن توجيه انتقادات لصلاح بسبب لقطة تسجيل تشيلسي للهدف الثاني أمام ليفربول من جبهته، قال: “أنظر لفريق ليفربول الذي بدأ ضد تشيلسي، إننا نهاجم جانبهم الأيمن، لكنني انظر إلى برادلي وكوناتي أكثر وليس لدور صلاح الدفاعي، منطقة الظهير الأيمن في ليفربول كانت مشكلة وكلا الجانبين أليس كذلك؟، لن تذهب إلى جانب فيرجيل فان دايك لأنه واحد من أفضل اللاعبين في العالم، أيضاً مستوى كوناتي غير ثابت”.

 

After launching a late move to sign Marco Asensio, Aston Villa have reportedly agreed personal terms with another Ligue 1 star in a late transfer flurry for Unai Emery.

Aston Villa open talks to sign Asensio

They’ve left things late, but Aston Villa are finally moving in the summer transfer window. With a matter of days left until the window slams shut, the Villans have opened talks to sign Asensio from Paris Saint-Germain. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Midlands club are pushing to secure a permanent deal following the Spaniard’s successful loan spell in the second-half of last season.

By the time that his loan spell came to an end last season, Asensio had become a fan favourite and scored eight goals in 21 games in all competitions. As such, he was always likely to be a summer target for all involved at Villa Park who made the mistake of falling in love with a loan player.

Alongside Evann Guessand, the former Real Madrid gem would add some much-needed depth to Emery’s attack as deadline day approaches. There’s no denying that his arrival is one that Villa need, having drawn their opening game against Newcastle United 0-0 and then failing to score again in a 1-0 defeat against Brentford.

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After Asensio, they may not be done there, however. Rumours are continuing to emerge that Aston Villa are still targeting further reinforcements as they look to save what has otherwise been a summer to forget. And that has reportedly seen them turn towards another Ligue 1 star alongside Asensio.

Aston Villa agree personal terms with Mikautadze

As reported by French journalist Marc Mechenoua, Aston Villa have now agreed personal terms with Georges Mikautadze and are now in club-to-club negotiations with Lyon after submitting a €25m (£22m) offer. As talks continue, the Midlands club will be desperately hoping to reach a full agreement before Monday’s deadline.

If they can secure a deal worth £22m, meanwhile, then they’d be getting an absolute bargain. When compared to Ollie Watkins last season, Mikautadze more than kept pace – scoring 17 goals and assisting another 11, whilst the Englishman netted 17 himself and created 14 in all competitions.

Described as “electric” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Mikautadze is ready to take the Premier League by storm and potentially form an impressive partnership with Watkins. Welcoming both the Lyon man and Asensio before Monday’s deadline would be a true statement of intent from Aston Villa.

Manchester United’s rebuild under Ruben Amorim has been nothing short of turbulent.

A disastrous 2024/25 campaign saw the club slump to a 15th-place finish in the Premier League and lose the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.

The result was their worst league showing in decades and left them without any European football this season, stripping away both revenue and prestige.

In response, the Old Trafford hierarchy have moved aggressively in the transfer market this summer.

More than £200 million has already been spent to bring in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, signings that point to a focus on youthful energy and attacking firepower.

Yet even with those additions, one glaring issue remains: the defence.

Man United step up chase for Premier League captain

United’s backline was repeatedly exposed last term, and now the club are looking to secure the services of another commanding centre-half.

One who not only mirrors Harry Maguire in style and presence but could also represent the long-term successor.

Liverpool and Tottenham are also in the mix, but United appear particularly determined. Indeed, according to the Daily Mail, the man in question is Brentford’s Nathan Collins, with the Red Devils targeting a ‘shock’ swoop.

Tipped by journalist Mario Marra as “one of the best defenders in the Premier League,” the 24-year-old has grown rapidly into one of the most reliable centre-backs in English football.

Brentford, however, are deeply reluctant to sell.

Collins only joined the club in 2023 for a record £23m from Wolves and has since been elevated to captaincy, succeeding Christian Nørgaard.

His leadership qualities have been highlighted by new Bees boss Keith Andrews, who labelled him a “natural leader” and central to the side’s identity.

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Standing at 1.93m, Collins is both a physical presence and a composed figure in possession – traits that have made him a target for the Premier League’s elite.

The Republic of Ireland international, who already has 30 senior caps and two international goals to his name, featured in Brentford’s opening day 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

With his contract running until 2029, the west London club have no financial pressure to cash in, particularly after sanctioning Bryan Mbeumo’s £71m move to Manchester United earlier this window.

Collins and Maguire: parallels and comparisons

The comparisons with Harry Maguire are inevitable.

When United signed Maguire from Leicester in 2019 for £80m, he was widely regarded as one of the finest defenders in England, having starred for England at the 2018 World Cup.

His aerial strength and ability to step out with the ball drew widespread acclaim.

Collins now carries a similar profile at a younger age.

Both are physically imposing defenders, capable of dealing with long balls into the box, and comfortable leading from the back.

Importantly, both have also attracted interest from rival Premier League clubs at a relatively early stage in their careers, underlining their perceived value at the highest level.

Statistically, Collins has begun to surpass Maguire’s output.

Last season, the Brentford defender played 38 league games, contributing two goals and five assists, a notable tally for a centre-half.

His defensive metrics stand out: he ranks in the 97th percentile for blocks per 90 (1.97), the 79th percentile for clearances per 90 (5.90), and the 85th percentile for aerials won per 90 (3.03).

These numbers highlight both his defensive instinct and his reliability when Brentford are under pressure.

By comparison, Maguire, now 32, remains a steady figure but no longer operates at the same statistical level.

Last season he played 27 league matches and his influence has diminished. A look at their direct numbers paints the picture clearly:

Tackles per 90

1.54

1.05

Tackles in the defensive third per 90

1.18

0.61

Percentage of dribblers tackled

73.9%

61.1%

Blocks per 90

2.03

0.77

Touches in defensive third per 90

33.6

33.4

The data illustrates that while Maguire still excels in certain defensive actions, particularly when stepping up to tackle dribblers, Collins provides a superior shield in terms of blocking shots and disrupting attacking moves.

His knack for timely interventions reflects why so many top clubs have circled.

It’s also worth considering the trajectory. Maguire’s market value, once as high as that £80m price tag, has now fallen to just £11m, via Transfermarkt.

Collins, at 24 and with a long-term contract, represents the kind of profile United increasingly covet: players yet to hit their prime, with potential resale value.

The symbolism of this chase should not be underestimated. Manchester United were once defined by their defensive stalwarts – from Nemanja Vidić and Rio Ferdinand to Steve Bruce and Jaap Stam.

Collins may not yet be at that level, but the attributes he has displayed at Brentford and for Ireland suggest he has the potential to grow into such a role.

For Brentford, keeping hold of him is about more than just finances; it is about identity and ambition.

For United, though, the question is whether they are willing to test that resolve – and potentially break the bank again – to secure the man who could be Maguire’s successor.

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